Bigger tires will do everything mentioned here. 
Wheel size is internal and has zero effect on the equation. I have a set of 17" wheels with smaller than stock sized tires. 

On May 22, 2013, at 2:36 PM, Jim Johnston <inmytree1@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

> Hi Don,
> 
> I've not noticed a major difference.
> 
> Jimmy
> Wilmington, NC
> 
> 
> On Wed, May 22, 2013 at 12:39 PM, Don Hanson <dhanson928@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
>> Semi-thread jack, but
>> 
>>   what kind of effect have you wheel swappers felt on braking?   Seems to
>> me that increasing the diameter and rolling circumference of the wheels
>> without increasing the brake's size...that would result in noticeable
>> reduction in actual braking force...eh?   I know the effect is dramatic
>> when done the other way....increase the brake disc's diameter and the
>> braking forces are enhanced...
>>  Curious, because Vanagons are  somewhat under equipped with brakes from
>> the factory
>> 
>> 
>> On Tue, May 21, 2013 at 10:47 PM, neil n <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>>> Thanks for the input people.
>>> 
>>> With any luck I may find some used wheels locally though there is no
>>> hurry on this upgrade.
>>> 
>>> If I planned my trips better, I'd have an extra day or two to pull
>>> off, camp, and let the wind pass, then head out again!
>>> 
>>> Neil.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On Tue, May 21, 2013 at 7:06 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
>>> wrote:
>>> 
>>>> Totally endorse the upgrade to 16" wheels, for many reasons.  Better
>>> handling in cross-winds?  No question!  Reason?  The aspect ratio.
>>> 
>>>> Downside:  the cost....of course...hurts temporarily.
>>> 
>>> --
>>> Neil n
>>> 
>>> Blog: tubaneil.blogspot.ca
>>> 
>>> '88 Westy http://tinyurl.com/c8rlw6p
>>> 
>>> '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"  http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
>>> 
>>> Vanagon VAG Gas inline-VR Engine Swap Group:
>>> 
>>> http://tinyurl.com/d7gd5ej
>>